OMD Australia CEO Mark Coad departs for CHE in Melbourne

He has been appointed to the chief executive role of CHE, part of the Omnicom-owned Clemenger Group. As a result, Leigh Terry and Peter Horgan will become joint MDs at OMD. The duo joined the agency three years ago as managing partners. The transition will take effect at the end of this year.

Coad reportedly wanted to return to his home town of Melbourne. He will remain on the board of Omnicom Media Group for Australia and New Zealand on behalf of Clemenger's media assets.

Barry Cupples, CEO of OMG Asia-Pacific, said: “Mark has made a superb contribution to OMD’s business and helped build a great team. Leigh and Peter have been intrinsically involved in the running of OMD so this is a very natural succession plan that will ensure we continue on our successful path."

At CHE, Martin Griffin, the current managing director, has been promoted to the chairman of the agency, while the current chairman Ron Barnacle will oversee Clemenger Brisbane.